Lincoln hammer attacker gets 18 years jail sentence

The Lincoln man convicted with attacking another male with a hammer in Lincoln last year has been handed an 18-year prison sentence.

Kris James Bradley (23) of Kent Street in Lincoln was handed the sentence for attempted murder at Birmingham Crown Court on March 31.

Kris Bradley will serve a custodial sentence of 15 years, of of which he will serve at least 10 in prison before being released on licence.

Meanwhile, Daniel Ross Burrell (22) of St Nicholas Street in Lincoln was convicted of assisting an offender. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

Finally, Alex Taylor (22) of Eastbourne Street in Lincoln pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence at an earlier hearing. He was given 16 months in prison.

As previously reported, the incident happened at around 12.50am on September 1, 2013, on Hungate in Lincoln, an area with bars and clubs.

A man from Scunthorpe, Matthew Probert (21), was attacked with a claw hammer, which was left embedded in his skull.

Speaking today, the victim’s father, Mark Probert, said: “We are extremely satisfied as a family with the outcome of the trial against all three defendants and the sentences passed today, to what was a truly horrific and unjust act of violence against my son Matthew.

“We would like to thank Lincolnshire Police for their sterling support immediately after the attack and their meticulous investigation in securing a justified conviction. I would also like to thank personally the CPS and legal team involved.”

“It goes without question, if it was not for the immediate and prompt assistance and first aid given to Matthew by the door supervisors and emergency services at the scene, the outcome could have been a far lot worse, and therefore a sincere and heartfelt thanks must go to all personnel who were involved.

“The doctors and medical teams at both Lincoln and the Sheffield Royal Hallamshire hospitals must also be thanked for the outstanding treatment and care that was given to Matthew.”

“Finally a big thank you must go to all close family friends and well-wishers, many of whom we don’t know, who expressed their kind words of support to both Matthew and the family.

“Matthew continues to make small steps daily to a remarkable recovery and as such he has very much learnt to take every day as it comes.

“Let’s not forget the seriousness of the injuries he sustained and as such we are all very attentive to the length and time the healing process will take for him to make to a full and healthy recovery.”

The police cordon between Park Street and West Parade, where the attack took place.

DC Martin Ryder of Lincolnshire Police added: “The actions of Christopher Bradley showed nothing other than an attempt to kill Matthew Probert.

“In many ways the physical injury he sustained that night, however horrific, is now only one element of his continuing recovery.

“Matthew was on the brink of beginning a professional career in the sport of rugby which he loves, but now he faces the challenges of rebuilding his future, his confidence and his fitness.

“Long after the media and police have left his life this will be Matthew’s real challenge but I am hopeful through his positive attitude and continued support from his family and friends that he will have a bright and successful future.

“As police officers we are here to assist in the course of justice and try to protect the public whenever possible from dangerous individuals such as Christopher Bradley.

“I know that in some small way the conviction of Bradley, Burrell and Taylor has given Matthew and his family some comfort. If we have managed to prevent a similar attack in the future through these convictions then that is clearly something to be thankful for.

“The response of the public on that night was superb and for that reason, and through our determination as investigators, such attacks remain extremely rare in our city and county.”